The North Star (1943)

Directed by Lewis Milestone and produced by Samuel Goldwyn, The North Star is a wartime propaganda drama that portrays the heroic resistance of Ukrainian villagers against the Nazi invasion. Released by RKO Radio Pictures, the film was part of Hollywood’s effort to bolster support for the Soviet Union, which was then an ally of the United States during World War II.

Plot Summary
Set in a peaceful Ukrainian village, the story follows young lovers Olga (Anne Baxter) and Kolya (Farley Granger), along with their friends and family, as their idyllic life is shattered by the arrival of German troops. The villagers—farmers, teachers, and children—band together to resist the occupation, using whatever means they can to sabotage the enemy.

The film emphasizes collective courage, sacrifice, and the brutality of Nazi forces, including scenes depicting forced labor and executions. It culminates in a dramatic uprising, with the villagers fighting back in defense of their homeland.

Cast Highlights

• Anne Baxter as Olga
• Dana Andrews as Damian
• Farley Granger as Kolya
• Walter Huston, Erich von Stroheim, Ann Harding, and Dean Jagger in key roles
• Erich von Stroheim, often cast as a villain, plays a chilling Nazi officer

Production Notes

• Screenplay by Lillian Hellman, known for her leftist politics and sharp dialogue
• Music by Aaron Copland, whose score adds emotional depth and patriotic fervor
• Cinematography by James Wong Howe, contributing to the film’s visual richness
• The film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards

Legacy and Controversy
Initially praised for its anti-Nazi stance and pro-Soviet messaging, The North Star became controversial during the Cold War. Its sympathetic portrayal of Soviet life was later criticized as Stalinist propaganda, especially during the McCarthy era. In 1957, the film was re-edited and re-released under the title Armored Attack, with scenes removed or altered to reflect anti-Communist sentiment.